Analysis
Healthcare administrative roles require specialized knowledge, but the estimated $48,425 debt load here—derived from similar private colleges nationwide—significantly exceeds what comparable programs typically carry. The national median debt for this bachelor's degree is $31,000, and even Tennessee's state median sits at $34,675. That extra $14,000-18,000 in borrowing creates a meaningful difference when first-year earnings hover around $39,000.
Similar health administration programs in Tennessee produce earnings ranging from $35,000 to over $50,000, suggesting this field offers variable returns depending on the institution and connections to local healthcare employers. The estimated 1.23 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't catastrophic, but it means starting graduates would owe more than their entire first year's salary—a tighter financial squeeze than what peers at comparable Tennessee programs typically face.
For parents of students considering this program, the key question is whether South College offers distinct advantages—like specific hospital partnerships or placement networks in Knoxville's healthcare sector—that justify the higher estimated debt burden. Without concrete outcomes data for this specific program, you're making a bet on institutional reputation rather than proven graduate results. If cost is a significant concern, comparable programs at Tennessee public universities or other private colleges in the state appear to offer similar career preparation with considerably less debt.
Where South College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all health and medical administrative services bachelors's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Health and Medical Administrative Services bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (13 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $17,935 | $39,451* | — | $48,425* | — | |
| $34,800 | $50,606* | — | $34,675* | 0.69 | |
| $29,790 | $46,784* | — | $27,000* | 0.58 | |
| $13,846 | $39,451* | $47,154 | $46,500* | 1.18 | |
| $8,568 | $38,134* | $50,307 | $27,000* | 0.71 | |
| — | $34,888* | $31,789 | $57,500* | 1.65 | |
| National Median | — | $44,345* | — | $30,998* | 0.70 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with health and medical administrative services graduates
Information Security Analysts
Medical and Health Services Managers
Administrative Services Managers
Facilities Managers
Security Managers
Education Administrators, Postsecondary
Computer Programmers
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Compliance Officers
Environmental Compliance Inspectors
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Government Property Inspectors and Investigators
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At South College, approximately 50% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 5 similar programs in TN. Actual outcomes may vary.